We pay tribute to 5 fallen law enforcement professionals who served the City of Dallas: officers of honor and courage murdered in the line of duty — who in times of challenge stood with the innocent against the guilty, with the peaceful against the violent, with the right against the wrong, with the righteous against injustice. When we take the measure of these officers we find heroes.

These officers were the finest example of law enforcement; remarkable courage and strength of character. Their loss will be deeply felt by all who knew them. These officers knew where they stood and they claimed their ground with dignity and pride. They were members of a special breed — men and women passionately devoted to a profession which is more of a calling than a career. They went where others feared to go, put the safety of the community before their own, and served with dedication, compassion, purpose and integrity.

Our chosen career is a life of service to others you’ve never met, of days as quiet and routine and without warning turn chaotic and violent. A life in which you’re never sure if the end of your shift will find you in your car going home or in an ambulance speeding to the emergency room. Nothing can be taken for granted.

The men and women who wear the badge are well aware of these risks. We train, we prepare, we are well equipped, but sometimes none of these things matter. We have husbands, wives, children, mothers and fathers. We have dreams and goals and look forward to a long and peaceful retirement. But we cannot shrink from our duty.

We see the best and worst of humankind. We confront despair and overwhelming challenges. But still we carry on.

It is difficult to fathom the strength, courage and commitment which propels us to go out the door each morning. Perhaps it is because while we face incredible difficulties we are also privileged to participate in some of society’s greatest moments — seeing good men and women stand up to those who would do them and their neighbors harm– people willing to take risks for each other.

We experience the grateful nod of appreciation from someone we helped, and feel the awe of children who want only to follow in our footsteps – for a peace officer there is no challenge too difficult, no danger too great. For us it is simple: if they need help, we will come.

Blessed are the peacemakers – those who strive to prevent contention, strife, and war; who use their influence to reconcile opposing parties, and to prevent hostilities in families and neighborhoods.